Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System
Buffalo River State Trail

This trail in west-central Wisconsin follows the scenic Buffalo River valley for 36 miles between Mondovi and Fairchild. The river, which lends its name to the trail, was named by early French explorers. They called it Riviere de Beeufs for the many bison that once inhabited the area.

Buffalo River State Trail.
DNR Photo

The trail is built on a former railroad corridor and passes by farmlands, woods, hills and wetlands while traveling through the communities of Eleva, Strum and Osseo.

Trail Activities

The Buffalo River State Trail may bring a number of different users to the trail at the same time. It is important to use good trail etiquette to ensure the enjoyment and safety of all trail users.

Wisconsin Trail Etiquette and Safety Guidelines [PDF 2MB]

All-Terrain Vehicles

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are allowed on the trail year-round. ATVs must stay on the graded portion of the corridor. Each ATV must be registered in Wisconsin or display an ATV Trail Pass. Operators must follow Wisconsin all-terrain vehicle laws.

ATVs and snowmobiles are the only motorized vehicles allowed on the trail. Dirt bikes, motorcycles and other off-highway vehicles are not allowed on the Buffalo River State Trail.

Walking and Bicycling

   The trail is open all year to walking. Users enjoy observing wildlife, birding, photography and berry picking. The trail surface may not be suitable for some bicycle types, especially bikes with thinner tires. Mountain bike riders may enjoy the rougher terrain. Each bicyclist age 16 or older needs a Wisconsin State Trail Pass while using the trail. Trail passes must be purchased before riding on the trail and should be carried with you while using the trail.

Pet owners, please be sure to have your pet on a leash, 8 feet or shorter, at all times. You must pick up after your pet. Pet owners must share the trail with motorized vehicles and horses.

Horseback Riding

 The trail is open for horseback riding when there is not enough snow cover for a groomed snowmobile trail. Riders should use caution when meeting ATVs on the trail. Each horseback rider needs a Wisconsin State Trail Pass while using the trail. Trail passes must be purchased before riding on the trail and should be carried with you while using the trail.

Winter Activities

If there is enough snow cover, the trail is groomed from December 1 through March 31 each year. Snowmobiles are restricted to the groomed portion of the trail. Each snowmobile must be registered in Wisconsin or display a Snowmobile Trail Pass. Operators must follow Wisconsin snowmobile laws. There are hundreds of miles of county snowmobile trails that connect to the Buffalo River State Trail.

   The trail is open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, however, the trail is not groomed, and skiers and snowshoers must share the trail with snowmobiles.

Hunting

Because hunting is allowed along the trail, visitors are reminded to watch for hunting activities. Hunters are reminded to watch for trail users and must respect adjacent private landowners' rights. All hunting regulations and seasons apply.

More Information

See the links below for more information about activities, communities, area attractions, features and other useful links for the Buffalo River State Trail.

For more information, ask:

Buffalo River State Trail
c/o W26247 Sullivan Road
PO Box 407
Trempealeau, WI 54661
(608) 534-6409